Make Arabic Mint Tea

Although one of the most expensive spices in the world cardamom is still fervently harvested by hand for its many arab customers.

Make arabic mint tea.

The wonderful thing about mint tea is that it s so easy to make yourself. Since this drink is so popular it is served all day long after every meal and with every conversation. Moroccan teapots vary in size but a small pot typically holds about a half liter six small tea glasses while a larger pot holds approximately a liter 12 glasses. Quite a few varieties of spearmint can be found in morocco depending on the region and time of year.

Mint tea is one of my favorite hot drinks to enjoy on cold rainy days or in the depths of winter. The exact origins of the drink in morocco are unknown with various tales told about how tea first came to the country. Fill up the pot with boiling water and let it infuse for 2 3 mins or until the liquid starts to take on a slight pale yellow green hue. Originally introduced by english merchants the tea has spread in popularity throughout.

Arab tea served in the middle east tends to be taken sweet with an almost syrupy consistency. Spicy brew boost the infusion with a more assertive spice mix usually at the expense of the mint leaves as the fragrant subtlety is lost once the spices take over. You can mix several different kinds of mint together like spearmint peppermint and chocolate mint to make your own special blend or just keep it simple and stick with one. Moroccan mint tea atay atay is one of the most traditional teas in north africa and prepared with mint leaves and sugar.

A generous quantity of fresh spearmint leaves na na in moroccan arabic is also essential to mint tea. Drop the reserved mint into the cups to decorate if you like. Others say that early nomadic berbers brought tea to morocco from asia and there are those who believe that arab settlers introduced tea to the lands. While fresh spearmint is the most popular choice for mint tea smaller quantities of dried peppermint leaves or fresh pennyroyal may also.

Mint tea isn t just a drink in morocco it is a sign of hospitality friendship and tradition. Today i thought i would show you how i grow make and enjoy. Strain the tea into cups or heatproof glasses and sweeten with honey to taste.